One of the key issues with Kenshin that Hiko is that Kenshin is in too much of a rush. He is eager to learn the ultimate technique as soon as possible to take down Shishio. The problem is Kenshin himself isn't ready. As Hiko points out, Kenshin is rusty and his mention of the word bullying then to training is basically to tell Kenshin don't kid yourself. After all, no ultimate technique is worth squat if Kenshin can keep up with Shishio and his men. Forget Shishio Soujirou will be a worthy challenge for Kenshin.
Honestly, Shishio's philosophical talk about hell was interesting. Especially with Orb also airing this season. The fact that the solution is to slaughter, doesn't that make each man the devil? As Kenshin and the Imperialist Government obviously oppose that idea. Shishio truly embraces this world as hell. Shishio is scum, but he is in such a way that makes for a compelling villain and leader. He can persuade others and turn them into slaughters for him.
Shout out to Okina in this episode. We saw him as this silly grandpa for most of this season, but man this episode showcased he was not one to be messed with. He had no hesitation against torturing to leave a message for Aoshi. Honestly, this episode really impressed me with Okina. Yes, he lost to Aoshi and his life, but he did not hesitate against his declaration on Aoshi. Reminds me of Kenshin in many ways. You first see Kenshin as this nice guy, but if you mess with the people he held dear, the gloves are coming off.
Poor Misao. Unfortunately, this was the best outcome for her to move forward because I doubt she would have believed that Aoshi would have killed Okina. Honestly when you compare Kenshin and Aoshi's group you see how similar they are, but Aoshi's group is so tragic. To think how Kenshin would have embraced Himura Battōsai if he never met Kaoru. Since Misao has been out of Aoshi's life for so long. Aoshi is along and while Kenshin pushes his companions away, they keep coming back. Which serves as a reminder he isn't alone and don't steer from the kind man you are.